Date of Conferral

3-26-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Medha Talpade

Abstract

There is a high rate of women in their late 20s and early 30s that are in destructive relationships, many because of decisions that were made during adolescence . Little research has focused on understanding the decision making process of entering intimate, long-term romantic relationships from the viewpoint of adult women in their late 20s through 30s who made that decision during adolescence. This phenomenological study allowed for a greater understanding of adolescent decision making, specifically about entering intimate, long-term romantic relationships. The research questions were (a) What are the lived experiences of young women as they enter intimate, long-term relationships? (b) What are the decision processes of these young women as they enter these relationships? and (c) What roles do personal, social, and contextual characteristics play in these decision making processes? A convenience sample of five participants was interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The themes identified were (a) self-confidence, (b) natural progression, (c) emotional disruption, (d) family disruption, (e) family expectations, (f) family support, (g) peer pressure, and (h) religious upbringing. The results indicate a complicated interaction between social, familial, and personal factors impacting a person's development.Future qualitative research should consider the intricacies of emotions, social influences, and developmental aspects involved, as well as disparities across socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and regional contexts. Social change implications include informing interventions and educational programs that support young women in making healthier relationship choices.

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